Youth host annual Christmas Eve lunch

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By Andy Barrand

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Andy Barrand

Posted Dec. 26, 2012 at 10:52 AM

By Andy Barrand
Posted Dec. 26, 2012 at 10:52 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net

HILLSDALE — Traditional Christmas hymns from an instrumentalist filled the sanctuary at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Hillsdale late Monday morning as residents began to fill the pews. The youth of the church, along with several dedicated volunteers, were hard at work in the kitchen preparing a Christmas Eve lunch for anyone who wished to take part. Church parishioner and organizer of the event Mary Jo Smith said the church has been hosting the lunch for at least the last 15 years. Last year approximately 375 people attended the meal. “This place will be packed,” she said. The meal featured all of the traditional holiday trimmings — ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce and desserts. Lauren Mitchell, 14, has been helping with the lunch for the last five years. This year she was looking forward to entertaining those attending the lunch by singing holiday favorites. “We always have a big group,” she said. “It feels good to help because it means a lot to a lot of people.” Mitchell and her friend Andrea Scholl, 16, were lending a hand whereever needed in preparation for the event. “It warms your heart knowing we help those who need a good dinner,” said Scholl. She said although it is a long day, it is worth it to know you are helping people. For Adam Oberlitner and his brothers Joseph and Matt, it was the first lunch they helped with. The brothers got involved with the lunch after talking with Conner Michael, whose father is a deacon at the church. The boys were helping to greet people and assist them with the elevator at the church as they entered the building. “It makes me feel good,” Michael said. “I like to do things for people." St. Nick also made an appearance at the lunch. Each person in attendance at the lunch also received a wrapped gift at the end of the meal. In front of each table setting was a candy cane with a short poem reminding those in attendance that candy canes are shaped like a “J” — for Jesus.